Lost in TRENDslation? - “Apparently Your Boyfriend Dresses Like A Girl?”
It seems sort of ironic (to me) that the minute I no longer have one… The whole entire fashion world can’t stop pushing all things “Boyfriend”
Before I trash this trend… let me just say that when done well… (and not actually worn at some point by your boyfriend…) this look is really one of my favorites… but who wants to read a blog about that!
So first, a brief history of the “Boyfriend Trend”
In the beginning G-d created the “Boyfriend Sweater”. This was basically an oversized, unflattering sweater that looked way too worn in and didn’t say much about your boyfriend’s level of taste.
The “Boyfriend Sweater” of Fall/Winter 200whatever was followed shortly thereafter by the “Boyfriend T-shirt” of Spring/Summer 200Whatever-Was-Next. I remember I once wore a boyfriend t-shirt… it looked like a baby tee… I should probably start dating taller guys… but I digress…
We were then introduced to the “Boyfriend Cardigan”… I love all things cardigan… and this look didn’t upset me… until it was paired with…
“Boyfriend Jeans”… which on there own are a very cute alternative to the skinny jean… (which is my favorite kind of jean btw) but when you pair it with a “Boyfriend _____(Insert Garment)____ “ you give off the appearance of someone going through the better part of a YoYo Diet.
Not satisfied with simply wearing his sweaters, t-shirts and jeans… girlfriends recently decided they needed to steal something more formal… and thus we are now all loving the “Boyfriend Blazer”. I don’t hate this look… but I will say this… if I were your man… I would think your affinity for this whole “Boyfriend” fad is verging on kleptomania.
Like I mentioned in the beginning of this post… I happen to really like this trend… and to be honest; some of my favorite pieces that I’ve designed actually have a very strong menswear influence…
And an INFLUENCE is exactly what the term “Boyfriend” should be… The goal of the “Boyfriend Look” is to give off the impression you have a boyfriend… without looking LIKE your boyfriend.
So if you are looking to get on this trend… here are some tips I’ll give you to avoid the pitfalls and effortlessly pull it off.
#1: (THE MOST IMPORTANT) BUY “BOYFRIEND WHATEVERS” IN THE WOMENS SECTION… Trust me on this… Fashion is well aware of this trend, and has adapted it into women’s wear… if you still think the look is too fitted, try a size up, before you try a gender over.
#2: The “Boyfriend sweater” should still be flattering on your figure, and like any good article of clothing, should NEVER wear you. Avoid chunky knits and sweaters that are shapeless and boxy. This is the kind of sweater you want to skim the body, so avoid it in wool, and go for options in cashmere, cotton or even try a silk blend.
#3: The “Boyfriend T-shirt” has seen a lot of changes since it’s inception, and while I would suggest (as is true with all of these trends) buying one made for women… if you’re planning on stealing one from your actual boyfriend, go with something worn in and thin… I can’t explain why, but it’s just more flattering.
#4: The “Boyfriend Cardigan” is sexiest when it is simply a longer cardigan. The nice thing about it is that unlike the “Boyfriend Sweater”, The “Boyfriend Cardigan” can be worn in a chunkier knit… so long as you wear something “Girlfriend” under it.
#5: The “Boyfriend Jean” is great … if you’re skinny… and blessed with naturally jutting hipbones…and have long legs, so you can cuff them and wear them with a pair of heels. Since those 5 girls likely already know this… lets talk about an alternative for the rest of us… A great pair of wide or relaxed leg trouser-style jeans has a similar look and feel, without adding the bulk that “Boyfriend Jeans” are unforgivingly famous for.
#6: Out of all of the trends I’ve spoken about, the “Boyfriend Blazer” is the one that you should really NEVER buy from the men’s section. AT BEST… you might look like you borrowed your beaux’s blazer because you were cold… but that’s cute for like an hour… not a workday. Men’s blazers are cut for men… even skinny-style ones are still made to accommodate a taller, boxier frame, and a broader chest, back and shoulders… and if for nothing else… they button the wrong way (…for you.. if you’re female) Go with something made for women… with dropped shoulders, and that hits at the hip (plus or minus an inch) pick one in navy, and in a relaxed, non-rigid material. Bonus points if you roll up the sleeves a bit!
So that’s about it for the “Boyfriend Trend”… It’s a great, relaxed look that is very chic and when done right, might very well get you a boyfriend… just don’t tell that to the one whose clothing you’ve been stealing.
Please leave your comments… good or bad… and thanks of course for stopping by!
-Wesley
